FULL OF DERBY PRIDE
AN EMOTIONAL Russell Martin revealed his pride after Swansea City created South Wales derby history on Saturday.
Swansea produced arguably their best display of the season to thump Cardiff City 4-0 – and in the process seal the first derby double in the 110year history of fixtures between the fierce rivals after winning the first game 3-0 back in October.
Martin’s men were sensational as they overwhelmed their hosts. Michael Obafemi bagged a brace, with Ben Cabango and Hannes Wolf also on target.
Cardiff simply had no answer, with thousands leaving well before the final whistle and many of those who stayed in the seats booing their side at the full-time whistle.
“I have not felt as emotional as this after a game,” said Swansea’s head coach.
“I am incredibly proud of the players and what they have done. We were written off by a lot of people and to do that and show that courage is fantastic.
“It means so much to everyone. We all watched the supporters leaving the stadium on the buses earlier, and we watched a video that had been put together by the analysts and the media team.”
Obafemi (circled, above) struck the first and final blows in what was a memorable day for Swansea.
The Republic of Ireland international tapped home after just six minutes before completing his side’s rout with a cool curling finish late on to cap off a special afternoon.
The striker’s latest brace – his third of the campaign – means he has scored eight goals in his last 11 outings, having only netted once in his first 14 appearances for the club.
It represents an astonishing turnaround for a player who was dropped from the matchday squad altogether when Swansea were beaten 4-0 by Bournemouth in November. And Martin explained the reasons behind the 21-year-old’s dramatic upturn in form.
“I put it down to finding a level of consistency in his daily approach and his willingness to accept criticism and be honest with me and his team-mates,” said Martin. “Most of all, he’s dropped his guard and is being himself. “He’s just worked really hard, good attitude and the rest comes. We’ve said that to him all the way along.
“He’s showing glimpses of his potential and hopefully he’ll become a really big player for us.
“It wasn’t easy for him to come in and settle but for him to be doing what he’s doing is nice to see. I’m really proud of him because he’s come a long way on and off the pitch and he needs to continue growing like the rest of the young guys do with us.
“I’m sure he’ll be the first to praise his team-mates and the role they’ve played.
“He’s been brilliant.”